Scaffolding removed the Crypt

The controversial 'Welcome to Dover' sign has been torn down – along with "dangerous" scaffolding at the former Crypt site. I met with town centre businesses and tourism chiefs in June to jointly call for the "horrible hoarding" in Townwall Street to be scrapped.

Residents also raised concerns about the Crypt site around the corner in Bench Street which has been left to ruin for decades – with the rusty scaffolding above "in danger of collapse". Just weeks later Dover District Council said a plan had been agreed with land and property owners to clean the area up. And last month the hated sign was gone and new hoardings put up.

I went to see local fish and chip shop boss Mario Macari to see how things had improved. Mr Macari, who runs Europa Fish & Chips, right next door to the former Crypt site told me he was pleased action had been taken. But he was still concerned about the "horrible and dangerous" scaffolding. I took the issue up with Dover District Council once again – and days later the scaffolding was gone.

Dover District Council deserve huge credit for listening to our community's concerns and taking action. Since our campaign started we've got rid of the embarrassing 'Welcome to Dover' sign and got the scaffolding above the Crypt site taken down too. We've made bigger steps forward in the last four months than we had for decades. Now we need to see the whole Crypt site spruced up – and to properly commemorate those whose lives were lost.